Calico Pennant dragonflies in May

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Calico Pennant dragonflies in May

May 10, 2022 by Mike Powell

I was absolutely delighted yesterday to spot several colorful Calico Pennant dragonflies (Celithemis elisa) while I was exploring a pond at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge. There is something really special about dragonflies with patterns on their wings, and Calico Pennants have wonderfully intricate patterns on their wings, particularly on their hind wings.

Yesterday was our first sunny day in a week or so and the weekend had been unseasonably cold, so it felt especially good to be outdoors again. It is still early in the season for many dragonflies species, but I try to be diligent in searching areas where they might be present. Some days, like last Friday when I spotted the Lady’s Slipper orchids that I featured yesterday, I am not able to find any dragonflies at all, while other days my persistence pays off—that is the fate of a wildlife photographer.

Posted in Dragonflies, dragonfly, Nature, Photography, spring, wildlife | Tagged Calico Pennant, Calico Pennant dragonfly, Canon 50D, Celithemis elisa, female Calico Pennnant, Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Tamron 150-600mm, Woodbridge VA | 14 Comments

14 Responses

on May 10, 2022 at 7:08 am | Reply Butterflybliss

Stunning dragonfly. I love the pattern.
on May 10, 2022 at 7:11 am | Reply Ms. Liz

Gorgeous creature! Wonderful to see your photos. Think I’ll do a quick share to twitter..
- on May 10, 2022 at 7:13 am | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks, Liz. I am about to begin my second cup of coffee and hadn’t even thought about sharing the posting. 🙂
  - on May 10, 2022 at 7:20 am Ms. Liz
    
    Isn’t it funny.. you having your morning coffee and me about to make for bed as it’s now 11.20pm and I’m getting tired! Good morning, and Goodnight! 🙂
on May 10, 2022 at 7:13 am | Reply Becca

Wow how beautiful 😍
on May 10, 2022 at 7:14 am | Reply Dan Antion

Thank you for your persistence, Mike. Lovely photos.
on May 10, 2022 at 7:32 am | Reply dianaed14

Always a delight to see your detailed photos. Yes the patterns on the wings are fantastic
on May 10, 2022 at 7:42 am | Reply K.L. Hale

Beautiful Calico captures! I’m glad you were able to get out! I understand!
on May 10, 2022 at 9:56 am | Reply AT SUNNYSIDE - WHERE TRUTH AND BEAUTY MEET

What a pattern on those wings! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
on May 10, 2022 at 10:33 am | Reply picpholio

A real beauty Mike, I’ve not seen much dragonflies until now…
on May 10, 2022 at 12:10 pm | Reply Wally Jones

Superb photographs, Mike! I agree there is a special quality about dragons with wing patterns. Nature’s artwork!

Don’t fret about not finding dragons on an outing in which you find drop-dead-gorgeous orchids! Most of your fans will forgive you.

Me? I’m just jealous.
on May 10, 2022 at 3:43 pm | Reply Michael Sammut

Beautiful species, great shots.
on May 12, 2022 at 6:34 am | Reply Calico Pennant dragonflies in May – MobsterTiger

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on May 17, 2022 at 3:36 pm | Reply Reed Andariese

Beautiful Dragonfly Images Mike! Enjoyed seeing them!